Why high street knitwear is winning this season
High street knitwear refers to knitwear available from mainstream, accessible retailers that delivers on current trends and polished style without the premium price point of luxury designer labels. This season, these pieces are proving that you no longer need a four-figure budget to look expensive. The most convincing proof is a new knit vest from M&S that has a rust tone and twist detail at the neckline, bringing a quietly luxe feel that belies its everyday price tag. When stylists reach for knits to refresh their wardrobes, they want that designer-level finish—interesting necklines, rich colour, clever layering potential—minus the guilt. High street brands are meeting that demand, and shoppers are rewarding them by choosing these knits over far costlier options.
The M&S knit vest: luxe layering without the designer label
The standout proof that accessible knits can look high-end is the rust-coloured knit vest from M&S, cut with an elegant twisty neckline that instantly elevates simple outfits. This piece has the sort of sculpted detail you’d expect from a runway collection, yet it’s sitting quietly on the high street, waiting to be layered over the shirts you already own. Styled with a masculine, tailored button-down in a bateau neckline, it adds texture and warmth while keeping the overall look sharp and modern. Wear it with a broderie skirt in clotted cream and a cashmere layer, as editors suggest, and the result is a transitional outfit that looks curated rather than cobbled together. This vest shows why stylists are steering clients towards knitwear that looks expensive first—and happens to be affordable second.
Pointelle knit tops: the pretty layer stylists swear by
Pointelle knit tops are having a moment because they solve a very specific style problem: how to stay warm when the temperature drops without ruining the lightness of a summer-leaning outfit. A pointelle knit features lots of tiny holes that form a lace-like pattern, which makes it breathable, delicate and unexpectedly practical as an in-between layer. You can slip one over a dress or tank and keep the look soft rather than bulky. Crucially, this is not a niche, nostalgic trend; pointelle knits have had what one editor calls an "adult upgrade" this season, with brands like H&M, Levi’s and M&S all adopting the design. High street knitwear is embracing this texture because it photographs beautifully, layers over everything, and gives outfits that refined, romantic edge stylists want.
Phase Eight proves autumn knits can look designer
If you assume high street knitwear can’t compete with designer polish, Phase Eight’s new-in autumn collection is the counterargument. Editors are calling out the brand for offering some of the chicest coats, knitwear and boots in store, from rich burgundy tones to suede and leather jackets that feel far more premium than their price positioning suggests. The knitwear line includes a mohair jumper with tie-back detail and a Fern pointelle jumper in a neutral shade that is described as an upgrade that will last for years. Paired with barrel-leg jeans or a pleated midi skirt, these knits move beyond basics into capsule-worthy investment pieces. What makes Phase Eight persuasive is that it brings occasionwear-level elegance into everyday dressing without abandoning the high street bracket, even offering sizes from 6 to 26 in selected items.
The new knitwear rule: versatility first, label last
The key takeaway from this season’s knitwear is that versatility matters more than the label stitched into the neckline. The right high street pieces—like the rust knit vest with its twisty neckline, or a neutral pointelle jumper that slips over everything—work across office days, travel and evenings with a change of accessories. Editors are pairing co-ord knits that feel like pyjamas while looking polished, ideal for flights, office wear or dinner with heels and gold jewellery. Pointelle knits, meanwhile, glide from beach cover-up to pub garden layer without adding bulk. Stylists are voting with their rails: they want knitwear that can be layered, dressed up or down and lived in, and the high street is delivering. Designer status is no longer the entry ticket to a luxurious knit—smart design and thoughtful detail are.
